BBDI Yielding Results – Formal Announcements on November 19

The Benton Business Development Initiative (BBDI) was first brought to the public’s attention in a teaser at the end of the Riverside Park Video on February 9th of this year. It was formally announced at a press conference on April 14th in which it was made clear that the stage was set for Benton to grow. In a story dated June 23rd, we announced that BBDI was “open for business” and showed some billboards that were up and advertising Benton.

On November 19th, the City is holding a press conference in which four more significant announcements will be made. We’ll discuss these in a bit, but first, let’s look a little closer at this thing called BBDI.

So, what exactly is BBDI? You could ask that question to any of the more than fifty members and probably get a different answer each time, but in my opinion, BBDI is simply the public presentation of a belief in Benton.

Anyone can join. There are no dues, no secret handshakes, no uniform, in fact there are no membership requirements at all other than a belief that Benton can be more than it is today and a willingness to do your part in making it so. Mayor Mattingly is wielding the baton, and the members, like a group of very talented musicians who have all been playing their own beautiful, but individual tunes, are now performing as a single orchestra, the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts.

You don’t even have to agree with other members on what can make Benton greater. Some of our members believe that the attractive business environment that’s been created is the most important factor. Some believe that Benton’s location is the key to its growth capacity. Some believe that going wet will spur growth. As for me, while I can’t disagree with any of the above, mainly I just believe in the people of our fair city and their readiness to step up. No matter what our reasons for believing, a significant number of people have committed their hearts, minds, and actions to lifting Benton to greater heights.

On November 19, 2015, at the Benton Event Center, everyone is invited to come see four shining examples of what good people with active imaginations and information can do.

Now, obviously I can’t be too specific here – don’t want to be stealing anyone’s thunder – but these are some very exciting announcements. Three of them are happening within two blocks of the center of downtown. Three of them (not the same three) are being spearheaded by charter members of BBDI, which is cool. So, here’s my very vague overview of the four announcements.

A significant private contribution is being made to improve one of the existing parks in Benton.

A viable plan has finally been presented and approved for the renovation of a very old building in downtown to be converted into a teaching center and studio.

Another building downtown, vacant but not nearly as old as #2, will be torn down so that a new business can build their new (very cool) building.

Construction of a Multipurpose pavilion on an empty lot downtown.

I’ve seen renderings of each of these four projects and I have to say they’re all fantastic.

Finally, I want to say that it’s really great to see some things happening downtown. There are some wonderful additions that have come or are soon coming to the edges of the city, but it seems like every recent effort at improving our downtown has met with unexpected roadblocks. Thankfully, this appears to no longer be the case.

Mark November 19th on your calendar and plan to spend a little time with us at the Event Center. You won’t be disappointed.

The saying “different strokes for different folks” is applicable, I’m sure, but I’m excited about a pavilion in downtown for any number of events…… I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing more about this structure.